"Dear young friends: only Jesus knows what “definite service” he has in mind for you. Be open to his voice resounding in the depths of your heart: ... he needs priests, good and holy priests, men who are willing to lay down their lives for their sheep. Ask our Lord what he has in mind for you! Ask him for the generosity to say “yes!” Do not be afraid to give yourself totally to Jesus. He will give you the grace you need to fulfil your vocation". Pope Benedict XVI, Hyde Park, September 2010

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

St Francis, Maidstone

On Sunday afternoon I was in Maidstone for a special celebration to mark the Year of Faith. The idea is that each of the area bishops will meet with the young adults in their area for a catechesis and to take questions on the faith. I was asked to help structure the first one which was given by Bishop John Hine for the Kent area. Before the event started some of us went out for a quick meal at Bhuddabelly's - it was the only place we could find that was open, warm and didn't smell of beer. If you've not tried it, think all you can eat Chinese but a bit more upmarket...

After the Bishop's catechesis we had two testimonies from a young Catholic man and woman who had attended events at the Vocations Centre. They spoke about their experience of growing up in Catholic families, of school and of their decision to take their faith seriously. We then broke down into smaller groups to discuss what we had heard before coming back together to ask the bishop and our two young disciples a series of spontaneous questions. This was followed by refreshments generously provided by the parish before returning to the Church for a period of Eucharistic Adoration and benediction.

We are all very grateful to Bishop John for his input and also to St Francis Parish for their hospitality.

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About this Blog....

On this Blog you will find news and items of interest about activities to promote vocations in the Archdiocese of Southwark and elsewhere in England and Wales. The Blog is the responsibility of the Southwark Vocations Director Fr Stephen Langridge and any views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Archdiocese. More information about Vocations in Southwark is available on the Southwark Vocations website which has a link below.